November 25, 2015

10 things To Do in Toronto This Holiday Season

Christmas is just 31 days away, and chances are in your neck of the woods, its beginning to flock and feel a lot like Christmas. If you haven't begun to already, its time to start getting in the holiday spirit. One of my favourite things to do during the holiday season is to take in some of the many festivals, events and experiences the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has to offer. At over 7000 square km and with a population of over 6 million and growing, this list of things to do this holiday season is pretty long.

Do you live in the GTA, or perhaps are just passing through for the holidays? While this list is just the tip of the iceberg, I've compiled my top 10 things to do in Toronto this holiday season.

10 Things To Do in Toronto This Holiday Season

1// Stroll through the Toronto Christmas Market

Inspired by the European tradition that originated in Germany in the 1400s, the Toronto Christmas Market celebrates all of the sounds, sights and scents of Christmas. Taking place in the Victorian-era, cobblestone-lined Distillery Historic District, this annual festive event brings local craft-makers, carollers, musicians and artisanal food-makers together for a truly magical experience. Sip on mulled wine, European Christmas cocktails and hot chocolate as you peruse the selection of Christmas merchandise including hand-made ornaments, wood carvings, candles and crafts.

With 1,722,000 square feet of retail space — that’s nearly 30 football fields — there’s nowhere better to check off wish lists while admiring glittery decorations. The shopping mall is Toronto's top tourist attraction, with around one million visitors per week. The mall contains a wide selection of 330 stores and restaurants.

For the most iconic holiday window display in the city, take the subway down to Queen station where the flagship Hudson’s Bay store location rivals Macy’s in New York with functioning train sets, mechanical mice and moving Santas.

Mark the official start of the holiday season at the 49th annual Cavalcade of Lights, taking place on November 28. This holiday tradition at Nathan Phillips Square, home of City Hall, features the first illumination of Toronto’s official Christmas Tree, performances by some of Canada’s top musical talent, a spectacular fireworks show and skating parties. While the Cavalcade takes place one night only, the tree remains on display throughout the holiday season.

There are several outdoor public skating rinks located around the city. For an iconic urban skating experience, glide around Nathan Phillips Square amidst the tall buildings, the sparkly lights and massive Christmas tree. Skating at the rink continues all season long, and skate rentals are available on-site.

For a waterfront experience, make your way down to Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre, set against the beautiful shoreline of Lake Ontario. The centre hosts Saturday skating nights on its outdoor rink complete with a DJ spinning groove-worthy tracks.

Celebrate the start of winter with a day of shopping, ice-skating, eating and mulled-wine drinking at Evergreen Brick Works. Visit on Saturday and check out the Farmers Market, the largest in Toronto, where you'll find a wide selection of local, farm-fresh food farmers, producers and chefs.

Located in the heart of Toronto, Kensington Market is one of Toronto's most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. This 3-hour holiday food tour aims to provide guests with the chance to sample the range of delectable offerings available throughout the market, while learning interesting information about the area and its history. Enjoy artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, gourmet sandwiches, mulled wine and lots more.

Location: Just west of downtown, bordered by Spadina Ave, Dundas St, Bathurst St and College St

Disclosure

To & Fro is a for-profit lifestyle + parenting blog based in Toronto, ON, Canada. All content, images, design elements and text belong to To & Fro's owner/writer Mar Ward (2010-2019), unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any of the aforementioned material without express and written permission from Mar Ward and To & Fro is strictly prohibited. To & Fro may contain sponsored posts, paid ads and affiliate/referral links, and accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. Compensation will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog, and all opinions are 100% that of Mar Ward and To & Fro. Thank you for your continued support!